One year anniversary of CRT pacemaker

It is one year since I received a CRT -P pacemaker, due to LVSD caused by a dual lead pacemaker.This doesn’t happen often- I was just unlucky!My low ef has improved greatly and after a few spells of feeling unwell I have felt very well since September. Fingers crossed!

I would like to hear from other members with CRT- P pacemakers especially those who have had them for a number of years. If someone wanted to message me privately that would be all right too.

I would also like to thank all the helpful comments from members of the pacemaker club.My best wishes to you all!

 

4 Comments

One year old today

by Gemita - 2021-05-20 09:16:20

Aberdeen, is it really a year?  Mine is now three years.  I cannot believe it either.  How quickly time passes.  You have come a long long way and reading your message, you sound so completely well, in control and really positive for the future.  I love to hear success stories.

Reading your post, it seems you are saying your LVSD (left ventricular systolic dysfunction) was caused by your dual lead pacemaker.   I believe you only had it for a brief time before the upgrade to a CRT-P was needed.  Does that mean that you have received official confirmation of a cause for your LVSD and that hopefully your CRT pacemaker is the only fix you require in the future?  That would be good news.

I send my best wishes to you too Aberdeen

One year old CRT pacemaker

by Aberdeen - 2021-05-20 13:41:04

It is a year- an eventual one! 

I had my dual lead pacemaker for 4 months before I collapsed at home.

In hospital a doctor specialising in pacemakers told me that a pacemaker can cause LVSD. It isn’t a common occurrence fortunately!

Hopefully the CRT pacemaker and low dose beta blocker, ace inhibitor and aspirin are all I need.

Thank you Gemita for your comment and all your help!

Thank you for the explanation

by Gemita - 2021-05-20 14:38:17

Aberdeen, yes I do understand that a high percentage of Right Ventricular pacing could result in dyssynchrony between the two ventricles, but I didn't think this was the only cause for your sudden decline in your ejection fraction.  I thought there was something else going on too, so that is really good news.  

Yes how quickly that happened with just 4 months of pacing.  You were indeed unlucky, but perhaps now lucky that you do not have to fight anything else.  Now I understand the reason why my EP once told me that increased Right Ventricular pacing can in some cases rapidly lead to heart failure symptoms, whereas in other cases, it may never happen.

That is excellent news that you are only taking a low dose beta blocker, ace inhibitor and aspirin.  Amazing after what you have been through.

One year later

by Aberdeen - 2021-05-20 15:41:52

I have not had the opportunity to have a long discussion about my case but I do know that an echocardiogram in May showed a massive change from the echocardiogram in January. With the first pacemaker I didn’t need any medication and now I do.

I was surprised and shocked about what happened to me.Also when you receive a pacemaker there is no warning that this could happen to a small percentage of people.

I am thankful I feel well just now and I hope this continues. Thank you for all your advice!

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